CHAPTER 9: DESPAIR AND COMFORT
The cell door clinked open and the diagnostician limped in. "I'll be outside", the policeman clarified. House ignored him and hobbled all the way to where she was seated. Dominika was staring on the wall. Anxiety and apprehension was taking its toll on her, leading her to biting her nails. "Don't bite your nails, it's bad for your health", House said, gently touching her shoulder. "You came", she responded, in a downcast voice. "Yes", he stated matter-of-factly. He leaned closer to her and whispered, "I'm here, don't worry, we'll find a way to make it through this ordeal". She shifted position and replied, "No. It's over". "Don't say that. I've dealt with Tritter before. He thought he'd nabbed me, but, in the end, he failed. You will see, the same is gonna happen now", he tried to give her some courage. "Leave me, House. You can save yourself. Say I tricked you. Say you wanted this to be real marriage but I exploited you. Immigration guys will believe you", she replied. "You're talking a lot like Wilson. He sorta advised me to do the same", House blurted out. "Listen to him. He's your friend, he cares for you", she observed. "He's wrong. No matter what you say know, I've made my decision. I'm not letting them harm a hair of your head", he said in a determined tone. "They know everything", she mused, asking, "How come they learned all this stuff?". "That's my fault. I literally paraded you around in the hospital. Somebody forgot to keep their mouth shut", he answered. She tried her best to suppress a sob, barely succeeding. "Don't suppress it. I'm not saying anything mean if you cry", he said and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she let her tears flow. "I'm sorry", was all he could say, unable to find the proper words to comfort her. I suck at this, he thought.
"I'm not good at comforting people, but, trust me, we'll really find a way", he muttered, both to her and himself. "Do what your friend said. Keep yourself out of it. I don't want you to go to jail. Jail is horrible, there are gangs, they won't give you meds...", her voice trailed off, a new flood of tears moistening her cheeks. "How do you know so much about jail?", he asked. "Back in my country, I was in police force for a year. I bet I'm still good at shooting", she answered. "There must be a lot of things I still don't know about you", he mused. "Better forget what you know already. Forget about me and save yourself. I will manage", she responded in a resigned tone. Under any other circumstances, House would just have limped out of the room, but now he was sitting there, next to her, unable to move, still having a lot of trouble comprehending what was going on. The diagnostician sighed deeply and addressed her in a very serious manner, "Dominika, I wanna ask you something. When you said you liked me, was that for real?". "Doesn't matter now", was all she responded. "It matters for me", he said, his voice almost crumbling. "Yes. I... I don't just like you, I love you. I love you, Gregory House. I loved you from the day I delivered to you those cinnamon rolls. I loved you from the moment I first saw you and talked to you. When you agreed to marry me, I wanted nothing else but make our marriage truth and not lie and I regret I didn't outright tell you", she replied as tears welled up from her eyes again. "I'm a fool", he mused. "I'm a moron, an idiot. I tried to push you away, I was mean to you, because... because I was afraid that, after you got your green card, you'd dump me, like all the women I felt something for did. The way you feel for me, that's how I feel for you, too. You're smart, you're hot, in fact, beautiful like a model, you're caring, you could have any man but you still chose me. Weren't I a fool, I'd never have doubts about you. As a matter of fact, I was about to tell you that today, when I returned home from the hospital", House confessed. She looked at him, stunned, not believing her ears, her gaze fixed upon his face. "You mean...?", she started the sentence, but couldn't bring herself to complete it. "Yes, I mean every word of what I said", House whispered, gently stroking her hair. "And what do we do now? It's so unfair! We've just found out how we feel about each other and...", she muttered, her voice growing weaker with every word. "It's them who need to prove their claims, not us. For the state of New Jersey, we're officially married. Your own activities of the last few days can help. When they see your stuff all over the apartment and when they will interview the neighbors, all they're gonna find is confirmation of our story", he replied, trying to reassure her. "That detective... He really hates you. He won't stop", she countered, her anxiety evident. "He failed before, he's gonna fail now. Look what we're gonna do. I'll get out of here, since they have no warrant to arrest me and I'll call my lawyer. We'll gather all witnesses and appeal to the INS. They'll think we have nothing to hide and when they conduct their interviews, Tritter's case will crumble", the diagnostician elaborated. "You think this will work?", she enquired, shifting position and getting closer to him. "I think that... You're irresistible", he whispered and pulled her in, planting a fierce and passionate kiss on her lips.
Meanwhile, Michael Tritter was proceeding with his case. Just after House had been led out of his office, the detective grabbed his phone and dialled Weinmann's number. "Hello, Nate. Michael Tritter here. Yes, everything fine. I have a case that will interest you. Exactly, a green card marriage. Tell-tale signs everywhere. Country of bride's origin, age gap and, the best part, a testimony from a respected professional and celebrated member of society. Why not come here and see for yourself? If we need to go by the correct procedure, you need to interview them, but I guarantee that your conclusion will match mine. Of course, after the interview, they will be charged. OK, see you soon, then", the call went from Tritter's side. Now, House, I've really caught you, the detective thought.
The conference room was filled with the members of the Diagnostics team. Chase was sitting at the chair House usually occupied, his look stern and fully professional. "I gathered you here because House needs our help", he began saying, the other members of the team giving him quizzical looks. "What happened?", Foreman asked. "They arrested his wife", Chase answered, going ahead, "All of us understand what this means: immigration will open an investigation. If they reach the conclusion that their marriage is fraudulent, House goes to jail and his bride gets deported". "Only it is a fraudulent marriage, House himself made it clear", Taub interjected. "Which means someone ratted him out to the cops", Chase retorted. "Don't look at me, I didn't do anything", the other man replied. "We won't let him go to jail. Undoubtedly, they will call us to testify. We will defend him and say nothing indicated that their marriage was fake", the surgeon declared, adding, "And, don't forget, if they launch the investigation, they will come to know that it was you, Foreman, who were the best man and me who officiated the ceremony. Even if you don't feel like doing it to save House, our own reputation and career dictate we defend him". "You suggest we tell lies after lies after lies?", Masters asked, looking aghast. "If I learned anything from House, it's that sometimes a lie can be for the greater good", Chase countered, adding, "And you, Masters, should know that House was preparing to create an internship, specifically for you. You were assigned to his team for the sake of your career as a doctor and House was preparing to keep you in the team. Think of it before you make your decision". The redhead shifted position nervously. "I agree with you", Thirteen told Chase, "I owe House at least this". "Brilliant", he responded, further enquiring, "What about you? Are you brave enough to risk in order to save him?".
Before anyone else had the chance of replying, Wilson stepped in the conference room, unannounced. "We have a problem", he stated matter-of-factly, clarifying, "I called the police station and requested to speak with the detective behind the arrest. Guess who he is... Michael Tritter". "Tritter? He never stops at anything!", Chase observed, stunned. "Who's that Tritter?", Masters could be heard asking, in confusion. "This is getting serious", Foreman mused. "Right. We have to unite now. Tritter is trying to get his revenge and get House in jail. Only our testimony can prevent this", Chase reminded the others. "I was hesitant until now, but I'm fully in. That guy Tritter is a creep", Foreman stated. "That's called perjury! Isn't there any other way to help House?", Masters asked. "Last time we didn't bow down to his demands, Detective Tritter turned against all of us, making it virtually impossible for us to do our job and save lives. All because of his vendetta against House", Chase countered. "Okay, I... I'm in, too", the redhead prodigy exclaimed. "This leaves only you, Taub", the surgeon turned to look at the older doctor. "And me", Wilson intervened. "Your concern for House is genuine and kindly motivated, but think of the risks involved. It would be better to advise him to save himself and let go of the sham that may deprive him of his freedom and career", the oncologist suggested. "He wouldn't agree. For some reason, House chose to do this and wishes to help that woman. Wife or fake wife, he seems to like her. We'll help him unconditionally, not on terms, ifs, and buts", Chase insisted. "I'm in, too", Taub broke his own silence, adding, "this Tritter is a bully, from what I hear. A bully and a massive ego. I'll do anything to help House get free". "Meaning we all agree. Or do we have some dissent?", said Chase, looking at Wilson. "I'm his best friend. I've already perjured myself and I've seen what Tritter is capable of doing to achieve his goals", the latter replied, pausing for a moment to take a deep breath, "Okay, I'm in, too", he completed his sentence.
Just after Wilson had spoken, Cuddy walked in the room, accompanied by a policeman. "I was sure I'd find all of you here", the Dean of Medicine almost snorted. "Drs. Chase, Foreman, Hadley, Masters, Taub and Wilson?", the other man asked, each of the doctors nodding upon hearing their names. "You're called to testify concerning the circumstances of Dr. House's marriage tomorrow at 10. Present yourself to the office of Nate Weinmann, the INS investigator. Dr. Cuddy, you are also called to testify", he said and turned to leave.
While those scenes were taking place in the hospital, Tritter was busy enough talking to Weinmann in person. "I've sent one of my men to summon them to your office, Nate", he was saying. "I also need to talk to the neighbors. Don't bother sending your men, I will talk to them personally", the INS official stated, adding, "You're sure about this, Mike? That man, House, may be a bit weird, but, organizing such a felony seems... well, a bit out of his character". "I have all the right in the world. Do your best, Nate. It's possible his co-workers will lie or falsify the truth. Scrutinize their testimony to the fullest, intimidate them if necessary. Do whatever is necessary to catch him", the detective insisted, further remarking, "I want to be present. I need to take part in the examination. I ask it both as a policeman and a friend". "If you weren't that sure about the case, I wouldn't investigate it. But, yes, I'm allowing you to be present", Weinmann declared. "Thank you. At last, the game is nearly over for House!", the policeman gloated. "See you tomorrow morning, then", Weinmann said and turned to leave.
Seeing his friend depart, Tritter now descended to where House and Dominika were. "Well, faux-lovebirds, your mock idyll is coming to an end. Tomorrow, you will be taken to the office of Mr. Nate Weinmann, from the INS. After testimony is given, charges will be filed against you. You were tough opponents, but the law triumphs at the end of the day", he said, puffing up in vanity. "Spare us your lecture, Tritter", House said. "Now, if you can manage without my company, I gotta go home, preferably with my wife", he added. "Do you think I'm an idiot? You ain't going anywhere. Patterson, come here! Take Dr. House to another cell and take his phone. I don't want him able to hatch any plots until tomorrow", Tritter ordered, a smile of vengeance on his face, anxiety and unpleasant surprise being evident on the faces of both House and Dominika.